London Film Festival 2016: The Wedding Ring dir. Rahmatou Keïta

In this rare film from Niger, and a female directed film at that, Rahmatou Keïta has crafted a fresh, honest look at a different side of Africa. In The Wedding Ring, you won’t find the Western stereotypes of starving children and violence, rather, a quiet look at Nigerien culture through the eyes of a young girl. The Wedding Ring stars Magaajyia Silberfeld as Tiyaa, a young woman … Continue reading London Film Festival 2016: The Wedding Ring dir. Rahmatou Keïta

Review: Deathtrap by Asylum Theatre [13/10/16]

Deathtrap has been touted as Broadway’s longest running thriller-comedy onstage, as well as being penned by Ira Levin, famed for classic works on film such as Rosemary’s Baby and The Boys from Brazil. Armed with that knowledge, I was excited to see how its debut Singapore staging would turn out. Upon entering the Drama Centre Black Box, we were greeted with an impressive set for a black box … Continue reading Review: Deathtrap by Asylum Theatre [13/10/16]

Review: Starring Hitler as Jekyll and Hyde by The Finger Players [13/10/16]

I’m still reeling from being indirectly admonished by Hitler, who labelled us critics the ‘worst of the worst’ and offered his ‘professional opinion’ of sticking our own opinions back up our arses. Nevertheless, I shall do what I do. The Finger Players are known for their authentic style of storytelling, and coupled with the sublime performance of a star-studded cast in their latest production, Starring Hitler As Jekyll and … Continue reading Review: Starring Hitler as Jekyll and Hyde by The Finger Players [13/10/16]

London Film Festival 2016: Magnus dir. Benjamin Ree (+Interview!)

Magnus Carlsen is a chess prodigy, specifically speaking, becoming a World Champion in 2013 at the age of 22. I’m no chess expert myself, but I’ve always associated chess with old fogeys in the park taking forever to make their next move, and not dapper young men with crowds cheering for them as they enter the arena. Benjamin Ree’s Magnus seeks to change the view of chess. … Continue reading London Film Festival 2016: Magnus dir. Benjamin Ree (+Interview!)

London Film Festival 2016: Lion dir. Garth Davis

Lion, originally titled A Long Way Home, is one of the latest films from the Weinstein Company, and is based off a book by Saroo Brierley. Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman headline this ‘based on a true story’ film. Lion follows Saroo’s life, lost from his family in India at the age of five and adopted by an Australian family, and later on reuniting with his real family using Google Earth, … Continue reading London Film Festival 2016: Lion dir. Garth Davis

Review: Family by The Second Breakfast Company [12/10/16]

The Second Breakfast Company, still fresh in the local theatre scene, aims to revive a large and undiscovered canon of local texts and reestablish their relevance for a contemporary audience. Well, they’ve done a commendable job of it. This performance took me on a journey through the highs and lows of seventy-odd years of family politics, with bold directing choices that left me on the … Continue reading Review: Family by The Second Breakfast Company [12/10/16]

London Film Festival 2016: The Tower dir. Keith Maitland

1 August 1966 is a date that will stay with you long after viewing this documentary. Tower’s release marks the 50th anniversary following one of the worst mass shootings in American history. The deed was done by ex-Marine Charles Whitman, who took control over the school clocktower at the University of Texas, armed with ammunition and guns and shot 49 people, before being shot dead by the … Continue reading London Film Festival 2016: The Tower dir. Keith Maitland

London Film Festival 2016:We Are X dir. Stephen Kijak (+Interview)

X Japan is probably one of the biggest bands you’ve never heard of. And no wonder, as you’d probably only know of them if you happen to be into the J-rock scene. We Are X is here to change that, and shines a light on the quirky, weird and wonderful people that make up X Japan. We Are X opens on X Japan’s Madison Square Garden gig in … Continue reading London Film Festival 2016:We Are X dir. Stephen Kijak (+Interview)

Review: RENT by Pangdemonium! [9/10/16]

Rent has been a staple Broadway classic for years, featuring some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre history and making waves when it premiered in 1997, striking a chord with the disenfranchised artists of New York and the high cost of living. Last performed here in 2001 by the Singapore Repertory Theatre, Pangdemonium! has brought finally brought Rent back, 15 years later to a brand … Continue reading Review: RENT by Pangdemonium! [9/10/16]

Review: GALA by Theatreworks [8/10/16]

Too often, we define the disabled by their limitations. But the truth is, each person is capable in their own way, with everyone deserving of a chance to shine. Directed and conceived by French choreographer Jérôme Bel, GALA features a massive 20 cast members onstage, with both amateur performers and professionals, including Timothy Nga, Fiona Lim and drag extraordinaire Becca d’Bus. GALA rifts on the theme of individualism and self-expression, using … Continue reading Review: GALA by Theatreworks [8/10/16]